The foods which you eat can have a potent effect on the amount of different kinds of fats found in your blood. One type of chemical, known as plant stanols, can help lower your cholesterol levels and protect you against heart disease. Plant stanols can be found in some foods which have been fortified with these chemicals.
Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis
Cholesterol is a compound which can be used to make cell membranes, bile and steroid hormones. Cholesterol in the blood can become deposited in the walls of the arteries, which leads to a condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis causes the walls of the arteries to become thickened and stiff, which can increase blood pressure and impair blood flow, increasing your risk of developing heart disease or a stroke. High levels of one form of cholesterol, known as LDL cholesterol, is especially linked with the development of atherosclerosis.
Stanols
Stanols, along with another type of chemical known as plant sterols, are compounds which are naturally found in the cell membranes of plants, the Cleveland Clinic explains. This molecules are similar in structure to cholesterol, so they can bind to some of the same proteins in the intestines which transport cholesterol into the blood stream. Consequently, ingestion of foods which contain plant sterols and stanols can cause the intestines to not be able to absorb cholesterol as well.
Stanols and Cholesterol
Plant sterols and stanols can be used to help you lower your LDL cholesterol levels, a 2003 article in "Mayo Clinic Proceedings" titled "Efficacy and Safety of Plant Stanols and Sterols in the Management of Blood Cholesterol Levels" reports. Consuming 2 g of these compounds each day can lower your LDL levels by 10 percent, this study found, though higher doses do not add much additional benefit. Plant sterols and stanols can be combined with other cholesterol-lowering treatments, such as the use of statins, to further lower LDL levels.
Sources
Plant sterols and stanols can be found in many different plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, vegetable oils and whole grains, the Cleveland Clinic notes. However, it can be difficult to get 2 g of these beneficial compounds through these sources. Some manufacturers have begun to fortify foods with plant sterols and stanols to help people lower their LDL levels. Plant sterols and stanols have been added to some kinds of margarine, orange juice, milk and breakfast products to help people consume 2 g each day.
